Lionel Messi’s sensational show spurred Argentina to return to winning ways in FIFA World Cup 26 qualifying. The 37-year-old registered his 10th international hat-trick and two assists as they crushed Bolivia 6-0.
Messi produced a performance for the ages for La Albiceleste, who had taken only one point from their previous two outings. His canny, near-post finish caught goalkeeper Guillermo Viscarra off guard, while his two solo goals erupted El Monumental.
Argentina now have 22 points from 10 run-outs and are close to participating at a 14th World Cup in a row.
Argentina stayed three points clear of second-placed Colombia, who thrashed rock-bottom Chile 4-0. Luis Diaz and James Rodriguez were excellent for Los Cafeteros, while 20-year-old sensation Jhon Duran rose from the bench to hike his hype.
Colombia strode towards a global-finals return by dominating and downing La Roja. James Rodriguez and Luiz Diaz shimmered for Nestor Lorenzo’s team, while 20-year-old sensation Duran made a big impression after coming on at half-time.
Davinson Sanchez got the ball rolling in Barranquilla, unwittingly deflecting home a Jhon Lucimi header. Diaz made it two after Rodriguez capitalised upon some dreadful defending to tee him up, before Duran’s emphatic finish and a late fourth from Luis Sinisterra completed a one-sided victory.
The result moved Colombia level on points with section leaders Argentina – at least temporarily – and left Chile bottom, with only five points from 10 games, and winless in seven qualifiers.